NATO considers strikes deep inside Russia in event of an attack on Alliance: military reviewing defense strategy – WSJ
NATO is revising its defense strategy in the event of a Russian attack. The Alliance's military command is considering the possibility of launching precision strikes against targets deep within Russian territory to deprive Moscow of its ability to continue hostilities.
The Wall Street Journal reports this, Censor.NET informs.
According to the publication, the experience of the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East is forcing NATO to rethink its approaches to countering Russian aggression.
In June, high-ranking officers and representatives from Alliance countries gathered for the first symposium in NATO history dedicated to deep-strike operations. The event was organized by the Supreme Allied Commander Europe, U.S. General Alexus Grinkevich.
During the meeting, military officials discussed possible scenarios for countering a Russian attack and conducted corresponding command-and-staff exercises.
How NATO Plans to Counter a Possible Russian Attack
According to the WSJ, the new approach involves not only repelling the enemy's offensive but also striking targets that enable the enemy to continue the war.
This refers to military bases, logistics networks, defense industry facilities, and other infrastructure in the Russian rear.
General Grinkevich had previously explained that the goal of this strategy is to deprive the enemy of the ability to command its troops and support their operations.
One of the factors behind the revision of NATO's defense plans was the experience of Ukraine, which has been using long-range weapons against Russian military and economic targets.
To implement the new concept, Alliance countries need to increase their stockpiles of high-precision long-range missiles, rocket systems, and unmanned aerial vehicles.
In particular, the U.S. is modernizing its Tomahawk and ATACMS missiles, while European countries are developing their own long-range systems and ramping up production of them.
At the same time, it remains to be seen whether European political leaders will agree to authorize strikes on Russian territory in response to a possible attack on a NATO member state.
Military planners consider such capabilities essential for deterring Moscow, but their practical implementation will depend on political decisions made by the allies.
